Landscaping Rules in Ontario, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Ontario, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Ontario requires owners to keep lawns, parkways, and vacant lots free of overgrown weeds and tall dry grass under the municipal nuisance code. Code Enforcement acts at roughly six inches or on fire risk.
Ontario Grass Height and Weed Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Ontario owners must trim trees so branches clear sidewalks, streets, and signs. Parkway street trees are city-owned and require a Public Works permit to prune, plant, or remove.
Ontario Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Private yard trees in Ontario can usually be removed without a city permit, but parkway street trees are city-owned and need a Public Works permit. Commercial landscape plan trees require plan revision.
Ontario Tree Removal Rules
Few RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Ontario runs an annual weed abatement program under California H and S 14875. Owners get spring notices to clear dry weeds, brush, and rubbish; the city abates and bills the owner if they do not.
Ontario Weed Abatement Rules
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Ontario's Water Shortage Contingency Plan limits outdoor watering to assigned days and cool hours. AB 1572 bans potable water on non-functional turf at commercial and HOA sites starting January 2027.
Ontario Water Use Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
California's Rainwater Capture Act (AB 1750) lets Ontario residents collect roof rainwater for outdoor use without a permit for simple barrels. Large cisterns and indoor use require plumbing permits.
Ontario Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia AB 1750 (2012), Rainwater Capture Act, Water Code §§ 10570-10574
AB-1750 Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. An act to amend Section 7027.5 of the Business and Professions Code, and to add Part 2.4 (commencing with Section 10570) to Division 6 of the Water Code, relating to water. This bill would enact the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, which would provide that use of rainwater collected from rooftops does not require a water right permit from the state board. PA...
Native Plants
Ontario enforces the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). New residential landscapes over 500 sq ft must meet water-budget, plant, and irrigation rules favoring natives and low-water species.
Ontario Native Plant and Landscape Rules
Some RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Ontario allows artificial turf at homes subject to drainage and zoning rules. Civil Code 4735 (AB 349) blocks HOA bans, and AB 1572 makes synthetic turf a compliant replacement for commercial non-functional turf.
Ontario Artificial Turf Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code § 4735 (HOA Landscaping/Artificial Turf)
Civil Code - CIV. 4735. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, a provision of the governing documents or architectural or landscaping guidelines or policies shall be void and unenforceable if it does any of the following: (1) Prohibits, or includes conditions that have the effect of prohibiting, the use of low water-using plants as a group or as a replacement of existing turf. (2) Prohibits, or inc...
Looking for San Bernardino County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Ontario city rules.
Landscaping Rules in San Bernardino County →